The Dallas Cowboys are clinging to their playoff dreams, but might’ve lost a key piece along the way.

Trailing 27-9 in the third quarter, the Cowboys were driving and hoping to get back into the game. Dak Prescott lofted a pass up for CeeDee Lamb in the end zone, but the receiver wasn’t able to brace his fall.

Lamb was down on the field for a few extra moments before getting up. He received some help from the trainers, bracing his left arm.

He also hit his head on the turf, which proved to be the injury that forced him out. After being checked out on the sidelines, Lamb headed off to the locker room, and was quickly ruled out after that.

Here’s the latest on Lamb.

CeeDee Lamb injury update

Lamb has been ruled out with a concussion.

It initially appeared that Lamb was dealing with an arm injury, but it was his head hitting the turf that proved to be the problem.

He appeared to be favoring his left arm after falling in the end zone. Lamb remained down for a few moments, but did walk off the field with trainers holding his arm.

Lamb was evaluated by doctors for about three minutes before quickly being ruled out and taken to the locker room, per the Prime Video broadcast. It was a quick diagnosis from the Cowboys, who will be without Lamb for the remainder of the game.

What is concussion protocol in the NFL?

The NFL’s concussion protocol is designed to ensure a player’s safety after suffering a head injury. It’s a five-step process that a player has to clear before they can return to play. Those steps are, as defined by the NFL:

1. Symptom limited activity
2. Aerobic exercise
3. Football specific exercise
4. Club-based non-contact training drills
5. Full football activity/clearance

Before a player enters the protocol, they are evaluated on the sideline. The tests are conducted by the team’s physician and unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant. The evaluation includes observing any ‘no-go’ symptoms, which are things like loss of consciousness, confusion, amnesia and more, in addition to history of concussions, other signs/symptoms and video review.

At that point, a neurological exam is conducted and the player is escorted to the locker room if the sideline evaluation leaves any doubt.

Cowboys WR depth chart

Here’s a look at the Cowboys WR depth chart for the remainder of Week 14 without Lamb:

1. CeeDee Lamb (injured)
2. George Pickens
3. Ryan Flournoy
4. KaVontae Turpin
5. Jonathan Mingo

Dallas has seen this movie before, losing Lamb to an ankle injury in Week 4. The star missed three contests with that injury, allowing Pickens to emerge as a big weapon in the team’s passing attack.

Flournoy and Turpin have each been effective in their roles, while Mingo is playing in just his second game of the season in Week 14.

Jalen Tolbert was a coach’s decision inactive for ‘Thursday Night Football’ in Detroit.

This story has been updated.

The FIFA World Cup draw on Friday, Dec. 5 will reveal the groups and bracket for the 2026 tournament in North America, with some new procedures in place as the field expands to 48 teams.

The 12 groups will be drawn from four pots based on the world rankings with the USA, Mexico and Canada placed in the first group as the tournament’s co-hosts, theoretically clearing an easier path out of the group stage.

Additionally, the top four teams – Spain, Argentina, France and England – will be separated so that they cannot meet until the semifinals.

The World Cup kicks off on June 11 with the final set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Here’s what to expect from Friday’s draw:

How does World Cup draw work? Format explained

Entering the draw, the 48 teams – 42 already clinched – are placed into four pots of 12 based on the November FIFA world rankings. The final six countries are in the fourth pot by default, no matter who ends up qualifying.

As the co-hosts, the USA, Canada and Mexico were placed into the first pot by default with the tournament’s nine highest-ranked teams.

Other than Europe (16 places), no continental federation may have more than one team in each group.

FIFA modified the draw for 2026 to create separate pathways to the semifinals for the four-highest ranked teams: Spain, Argentina, France and England. That means if Spain and Argentina win their groups, the world’s Nos. 1 and 2 teams can not meet prior to the final.

World Cup draw pots

• Pot 1: Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany
• Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, Australia
• Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa
• Pot 4: Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand, UEFA playoff A, B, C and D, FIFA playoff tournament 1 and 2

The injury issues for the Golden State Warriors just keep on coming.

Forward Draymond Green limped off the floor Thursday, Dec. 4 after a 76ers player rolled onto his foot during Golden State’s 99-98 loss against Philadelphia.

The injury happened midway through the second quarter, with around 4:45 left to play in the half. During the play, Green was under the basket and swatted at a loose ball when Philadelphia forward Dominick Barlow fell to the court and rolled over Green’s right foot.

Green immediately grabbed at the area, near his ankle. He limped slowly into the locker room after Warriors coach Steve Kerr subbed him out.

This came as Golden State is also contending with injuries to stars Stephen Curry (quad) and Jimmy Butler (knee).

The Warriors struggled in the first half against Philadelphia, shooting just 29.8% from the field and falling into a 56-34 hole. When the Warriors came out to start the second half, Green was not on the floor. The Warriors later announced that Green would not return with a right foot injury.

Golden State would eventually battle back, taking a four-point lead inside the final minutes.

Sixers rookie guard VJ Edgecombe, however, put back a Tyrese Maxey missed shot with 0.9 seconds left in the game, giving Philadelphia a one-point lead. Golden State quickly inbounded the ball by sailing it deep across the court, allowing guard De’Anthony Melton to put up a quick layup. Maxey, though, trailed the play and swatted the ball off the backboard for a game-sealing, chase-down block.

After the game, Green left the arena in a walking boot, according to reporters on site, who also reported that Green said he hopes to play through the pain.

Kerr said during his postgame press conference that he had not spoken to Green and did not have an update, other than to say that the team would be cautious with the injury.

Why was Stephen Curry out vs. 76ers?

Curry missed his third consecutive game with a left quadriceps contusion he suffered Wednesday, Nov. 26 against the Rockets, when he tried to take a charge. Curry is not with the team during its current three-game road trip, and Kerr said Curry would miss at least five games.

Kerr did recently express optimism that Curry could be back for the Warriors’ next home game, Friday, Dec. 12 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Curry leads the team with 27.9 points per game.

Why was Jimmy Butler out vs. 76ers?

Butler suffered a knee injury in Golden State’s 124-112 loss Tuesday, Dec. 2 against the Thunder. He did not return to the game and underwent an MRI. The Warriors said Butler would miss at least Thursday’s game against the 76ers with knee soreness.

The Detroit Lions have been spinning their tires lately, but not anymore.

Dan Campbell’s group got a much-needed win on “Thursday Night Football” against the Dallas Cowboys, beating them in convincing fashion, 44-30. It felt like a last stand for both sides – and probably was – as the loser of this game will need plenty of help to reach the postseason.

The Lions now have their sights set on a wild-card spot or even the NFC North, remaining alive in the division race after picking up their eighth win of the year.

It was a night where Jahmyr Gibbs stole the show, adding another three touchdowns to his season-long total. He also tied Barry Sanders in the process for the most touchdowns in NFL history before turning 24 with 47.

Jared Goff avoided any critical mistakes and enjoyed the benefit of Amon-Ra St. Brown’s quick return from an ankle injury he suffered on Thanksgiving.

Both teams entered Week 14 feeling like they were heading in opposite directions. That rings true after the contest, but this time it’s the Cowboys that must be feeling like their season is slipping away – especially after losing CeeDee Lamb to a concussion.

Here’s how the action unfolded in Detroit between the Lions and Cowboys.

Lions vs. Cowboys Thursday Night Football takeaways

• Sleep on the Lions at your own risk: It hasn’t been a glamorous season for the Lions, who were bound to take a step back after finishing 15-2 in 2024. They might still be on the outside looking in for now, but this offense dropped 44 points and made it look easy. The defense needs work and injuries are taking their toll, however, Dan Campbell’s team keeps fighting. Don’t count them out in the season’s final weeks.
• Jahmyr Gibbs is, somehow, underrated: He’s lightning quick and has 16 touchdowns in 13 games after three more on Thursday night, but the first names you hear about the Lions are always Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Dan Campbell. Gibbs is now tied Barry Sanders with the most touchdowns in NFL history before turning 24 with 47. He is a game-wrecker that can beat you in a variety of ways and has taken on a larger workload while David Montgomery fades into the background. Gibbs should be mentioned as one of the game’s biggest stars. Maybe another great performance in prime time will do that.
• Jameson Williams might be WR1: St. Brown went down with an ankle injury on Thanksgiving and likely had many Detroit fans panicking. Williams responded by collecting seven catches on 10 targets for 144 yards and a touchdown. St. Brown returned in Week 14, but trailed Williams for team lead with nine targets, catching seven of them for 96 yards. The receiver is capable of a lot more than being a deep ball threat. Detroit would be wise to feature him more than they were before St. Brown’s injury.
• No CeeDee, no problem: It wasn’t a good game for George Pickens, or anyone associated with the Cowboys’ offense, but they didn’t really skip a beat once Lamb departed with a concussion early in the third quarter. They managed 21 points in the second half while trying to mount a comeback. Dallas averaged 34.7 points per game without Lamb for three weeks earlier in the season. They continued to be productive without him on Thursday night.
• A little referee transparency would go a long way: Controversy always seems to have a way of finding the NFL. It only makes sense in a league where the margins are so thin. Yet a weird offensive pass interference call in favor of Detroit was an issue down the stretch. A missed offsides that hurt the Lions was a talking point earlier in the game. A safety was overturned on replay while rules analyst Terry McCaulay was puzzled. After the commercial break, fans saw the replay the league had to overturn the call. The ACC in college has let broadcasters peel back the curtain to see the process play out. There’s no reason the NFL couldn’t do the same – and we’d all be better off.

Cowboys playoff odds

The Cowboys chances to make the playoffs dropped to just 8% after their loss to the Lions on ‘Thursday Night Football’ in Week 14, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

With a win, their chances would’ve improved to 39%.

Lions-Cowboys score update: Jahmyr Gibbs puts Lions up big

This one is all but over: A Jahmyr Gibbs touchdown puts the Lions up 14 with minutes left in the fourth. Barring a miracle comeback, Detroit is going to get the win – an especially valuable one in the NFC playoff race. Lions 44, Cowboys 30

Brian Branch injury update: Lions safety carted off

On the Jake Ferguson offensive pass interference call, standout safety Brian Branch came up hobbled. After being tended to by trainers on the field, he was loaded onto a cart and taken to the locker room with an ankle injury.

Lions-Cowboys score update: Brandon Aubrey again hits field goal

With under four minutes left, rather than take a shot at the end zone, the Cowboys opted for another Brandon Aubrey FG to bring the score difference to a touchdown. The Lions get the ball with a chance to put it away. Lions 37, Cowboys 30

Cowboys flagged for questionable offensive pass interference

With an opportunity to put a big dent into the Lions’ lead late, tight end Jake Ferguson was flagged for a questionable offensive pass interference call that led to a Cowboys fourth down.

As noted by officiating guru Terry McAulay, Ferguson appeared to swim through the coverage, but there was no noticeable grab or push that would have warranted the flag.

Nevertheless, after a brief discussion, Shawn Hochuli opted to back the flag, leading to the incompletion and a fourth down for Dallas.

Detroit Lions 33

No. 33 on the Lions is currently worn by running back Sione Vaki. Vaki was a fourth-round selection of Detroit in 2024.

Lions-Cowboys score update: Jahmyr Gibbs puts Lions up 10

A big-time throw to Jameson Williams, a roughing the passer penalty were big helps on the Lions scoring drive, which ended in a Gibbs rushing touchdown. The score puts the Lions back up 10 points midway through the fourth. Lions 37, Cowboys 27

Malik Cunningham, Lions WR: What to know

The Lions elevated Cunningham to the active roster ahead of “Thursday Night Football” as insurance in case Amon-Ra St. Brown couldn’t play. A former quarterback-turned-receiver, Cunningham was undrafted in 2023 and spent time with the Patriots and Ravens before landing with the Lions in 2025.

Lions-Cowboys score update: Ryan Flournoy finds end zone

A busted coverage in the Lions defense leads wide receiver Ryan Flournoy to the end zone. A successful 2-point conversion means the Cowboys are now down by just three points with plenty of time left in the third quarter. Lions 30, Cowboys 27

Lions-Cowboys score update: Bates FG extends the lead

Stop us if you’re heard this before – Jake Bates quickly erased a field goal from Aubrey. Well, it happened again. The Lions matched the Cowboys field goal with one of their own and push their lead to 11 with just under 12 minutes to go. Lions 30, Cowboys 19

End of third quarter: Detroit in control with 15 minutes to go

There is just one quarter to go at Ford Field and the Lions have to like the spot they’re in. Already up eight and driving for more, they also have the added benefit of playing a Cowboys offense that is also without CeeDee Lamb now.  

Lions-Cowboys score update: Aubrey FG good from 63

At this point, you’d be surprised if Aubrey missed. It’s not even a challenge. The Cowboys’ kicker made it look easy from 63, cutting the Detroit lead to eight. The Lions might have to roll out those large industrial fans to make it interesting going forward. Lions 27, Cowboys 19

Lions-Cowboys score update: Javonte Williams hits 1K in style

The Cowboys running back is having himself quite the season, and he hit 1,000-yard mark for the season with a touchdown run to keep the Cowboys in the game. Lions 27, Cowboys 16

CeeDee Lamb injury update: Cowboys WR ruled out

Lamb went to the locker room after being helped off the field with under 13 minutes remaining in the third quarter, and has been ruled out of the game after a concussion evaluation.

He appeared to be favoring his left arm after falling in the end zone. Lamb remained down for a few moments, but did walk off the field with trainers holding his arm.

Lions-Cowboys score update: TeSlaa lengthens lead after Dak INT

It might be Ford Field, but a TeSlaa put the Lions firmly in the driver’s seat. Just plays after Dak Prescott threw an interception to start the second half, Isaac TeSlaa grabbed a Jared Goff pass for a touchdown, putting the Lions up 27-9 less than a minute into the third quarter. Lions 27, Cowboys 9

Sonic and Knuckles on the Lions

It’s a video-game nickname for a video-game backfield pairing. Named after the famed supersonic hedgehog and his echidna partner, Jahmyr Gibbs (Sonic) and David Montgomery (Knuckles) own the moniker for their combination of speed and power out of the backfield.

Lions-Cowboys score update: Bates pushes lead to 11 at the break

Halftime has arrived in Detroit, but not before Bates gets a field goal of his own. The Lions offense quickly negated the Aubrey field goal, responding with a 47-yard kick from Bates as time expired. Detroit benefitted from a pass interference call, but there wasn’t resistance from the Dallas defense either.

The Cowboys get the ball to start the second half, trailing by 11. Lions 20, Cowboys 9

Lions-Cowboys score update: Another Aubrey FG for Dallas

With less than a minute to go before halftime, Dallas cuts into the Detroit lead with another Aubrey field goal. His kick is good from 55 and the Lions’ lead is down to eight. Lions 17, Cowboys 9

Dallas Cowboys James Houston

Houston was selected by the Lions in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and played three seasons in the Motor City. He signed with the Cowboys ahead of the 2025 season and has recorded 4.5 sacks coming into Week 14.

He collected an early one against his former team on “Thursday Night Football,” reintroducing himself to the Ford Field crowd in style.

Detroit Lions 3 signs

Hoping to create a rowdy environment for the visiting offense on third downs, Lions fans hold up the ‘3’ signs as a reminder to everyone to bring the noise in “3rd Down Town.”

Lions-Cowboys score update: David Montgomery breaks long run for score

The new-look Cowboys defense is having a tough time with the Lions offense tonight. The ‘Knuckles’ half of the ‘Sonic & Knuckles’ duo breaks a 35-yard run for a touchdown to put the home team up two scores ahead of the half. Lions 17, Cowboys 6

Jake Ferguson fumbles, Lions recover

Things have a way of working out sometimes. The Lions didn’t get the offside penalty, but they did recover the Ferguson fumble at around the spot their last possession ended. Goff and co. go back to work, looking to extend the lead.

Referees miss offside penalty on Cowboys

Faced with a third-and-short, the Lions thought they were getting a free play. Unfortunately for the home team, there was no laundry on the field and Jared Goff’s pass for Jameson Williams fell incomplete.

There was an uproar from the crowd and rightfully so. Dallas caught a break.

Lions-Cowboys score update: Aubrey adds three

Aubrey’s kick was drifting to the right, but the 42-yard try is good for the Dallas kicker. He inches the visitors a little closer, cutting the deficit to four. Everything feels difficult for the Cowboys’ offense in this one, but it hasn’t become an issue yet. Lions 10, Cowboys 6 

Who is Lions Number 12?

Lions safety, Thomas Harper.

He has been ruled out of the Thursday night contest with a concussion. Harper was said to be hanging onto the railing to stabilize himself heading to the locker room, according to Prime Video’s Kaylee Hartung.

Harper is in his second season and his first with the Lions after spending 2024 with the Las Vegas Raiders.

End of first quarter: Lions lead after 15 minutes

The first quarter has come to a close with the Lions leading by a touchdown. It has been a close contest, but Detroit has the edge in play. Dallas is looking for the game-tying score as we head to the second.

Detroit Lions coaching staff

The Lions’ coaching staff is headlined by head coach Dan Campbell, but they have a pair of new coordinators in 2025 – offensive coordinator, John Morton and defensive coordinator, Kelvin Sheppard.

Campbell took over calling plays on offense in Week 10, hoping to reignite a group that was dominant under Ben Johnson.

Lions-Cowboys score update: Jahmyr Gibbs TD puts Detroit back on top

It’s the Gibbs show thus far. The Lions didn’t get the safety, but Amon-Ra St. Brown got involved with a 27-yard catch, setting up the home team for the touchdown. Gibbs capped off the drive, giving Detroit a touchdown advantage with two minutes left in the opening quarter. Lions 10, Cowboys 3

Lions’ safety overturned by replay

It looked like the Lions were about to retake the lead on a safety, but replay ruled that the entire ball was out of the end zone when Dak Prescott was contacted – taking two points off the board for Detroit. Instead the Cowboys punt it away and the Lions take over at the Dallas 42.

Lions-Cowboys score update: Brandon Aubrey ties the game

Aubrey is the kicker equivalent of an automatic transmission. Put the car in drive and don’t worry about anything else. For Aubrey, the Cowboys just have to step on the field and they are almost always guaranteed for at least three points. The kicker is good from 57 and made it look easy. Tie game in the Motor City. Lions 3, Cowboys 3

Lions-Cowboys score update: Jake Bates FG opens the scoring

On a night that is expected to feature plenty of points, the Lions strike first with a 38-yard field goal from Bates on their opening drive. Detroit quickly worked it into field goal range thanks to Jahmyr Gibbs, who had 43 scrimmage yards on the series. Dallas’ defense held in the red zone though, sacking Jared Goff on third down. Now Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense get their chance to respond. Lions 3, Cowboys 0

How fast is Jahmyr Gibbs?

Gibbs ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the NFL combine in 2023.

That put him in a tie for seventh-best at the event, but ranked second amongst running backs, sliding in behind De’Von Achane, who ran a 4.32. Former Titans’ running back Chris Johnson still holds the best 40-yard time for a running back, turning in a lightning quick 4.24 in 2008.

What time is the Cowboys game on TV?

The Lions vs. Cowboys game will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Dec. 4. Detroit will host the game at Ford Field as both teams look to improve their position in the NFC playoff picture.

Amon-Ra St. Brown injury update: Is Lions WR playing tonight?

Amon-Ra St. Brown will play tonight, as he is not on the inactive list for the matchup. He reportedly went through pre-game warmups without a hitch, signaling positive availability for the night.

How to watch Cowboys at Lions

• Live stream: Amazon Prime Video 
• Detroit market: WJBK (Fox 2) | Dallas market: KDFW (Fox 4)

The NFL’s ‘Thursday Night Football’ game will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video for national viewers. For those in the Cowboys TV market, KDFW (Fox 4) will air the game. In Detroit, viewers can tune to WJBK (Fox 2).

Lions playoff picture

The Lions enter Week 14 with an estimated 40% chance to make the playoffs, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. With a win on ‘Thursday Night Football,’ those odds would improve to 53% and a loss would drop those chances down to just 18% with four games to go.

Cowboys playoff picture

The Cowboys enter Week 14 with an estimated 19% chance to make the playoffs, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. With a win on ‘Thursday Night Football,’ those odds would improve to 36% and a loss would drop those chances down to just 8% with four games to go.

Cowboys inactives vs. Lions

Dallas will again be without starting tackle Tyler Guyton.

• Jalen Tolbert, WR
• Jaydon Blue, RB
• Jadeveon Clowney, DE
• Tyler Guyton, T
• Jay Toia, DT
• Perrion Winfrey, DT

Lions inactives vs. Cowboys

Amon-Ra St. Brown will play tonight, but the Lions will again be without wide out Kalif Raymond. Here’s the list:

• Kayode Awosika, OL
• Kerby Joseph, S
• Tyler Lacy, DL
• Kalif Raymond, WR
• Hayden Rucci, TE
• Mekhi Wingo, DL

Lions vs. Cowboys TNF live stream

• Stream:Amazon Prime Video | Fubo (local market)

Amazon Prime Video will air the Cowboys-Lions ‘Thursday Night Football’ matchup. Those in local TV markets can watch the matchup on Fubo.

Watch ‘Thursday Night Football’ with a Prime Video subscription

Lions vs. Cowboys picks

Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports staff feels the Cowboys-Lions game will shake out:

• Jon Hoefling: Detroit Lions (-3)
• Jordan Mendoza: Dallas Cowboys (+3)
• Lorenzo Reyes: Detroit Lions (-3)
• Richard Morin: Dallas Cowboys (+3)
• Tyler Dragon: Detroit Lions (-3)
• Blake Schuster: Detroit Lions (-3)

Lions vs. Cowboys prediction

It feels like the last stand for the Lions and Cowboys in the Motor City tonight. Neither side can be eliminated in Week 14, but the math becomes increasingly difficult for them to make the playoffs with a loss. The Cowboys are riding a three-game winning streak and playing well in all three phases. The Lions are on a two-game slide, but needed a pair of late-game comebacks over the Giants and Vikings to avoid making it five.

Injuries continue to play a big role in Detroit’s season. They will likely be without Amon-Ra St. Brown on offense and the defense isn’t looking much healthier. If the new-look Dallas defense can get to Jared Goff early, it’ll make for a long night for the hosts. The Cowboys proved they were for real last week. Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are too much for the Lions. Dallas keeps its playoff hopes alive with a 34-28 win in Detroit.

Lions vs. Cowboys odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list.

• Moneyline (ML): Detroit -160 (Bet $160 to win $100) | Dallas +135 (Bet $100 to win $135)
• Against the spread (ATS): Detroit -3 (-105) | Dallas +3 (-115)
• Over/Under (O/U): 54.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

The final draw for the 2026 World Cup is set for Friday, Dec. 5 in Washington, D.C., setting the groups and matchups for next summer’s tournament being played in North America.

Teams will be drawn into 12 groups of four, with co-hosts Mexico, Canada and the United States already assigned their places in advance. The event being held at the Kennedy Center will be a star-studded affair with Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Wayne Gretzky and Aaron Judge set to assist in the draw.

President Donald Trump will be in attendance, FIFA will hand out its brand new ‘peace prize’ and the Village People are scheduled to perform ‘Y.M.C.A.’

Here’s what to know for Friday’s draw:

What time is the World Cup draw?

The FIFA World Cup draw ceremony begins at Noon ET on Friday, Dec. 5 in Washington, D.C.

How to watch 2026 World Cup draw: TV channel, stream

• TV channel: Fox
• Streaming: Live on FIFA.com, Fubo

Where is the World Cup draw?

The 2026 World Cup draw is being held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington.

2026 World Cup schedule

• Group stage: June 11-June 27
• Round of 32: June 28-July 3
• Round of 16: July 4-July 7
• Quarterfinals: July 9-July 11
• Semifinals: July 14-15 – AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas) and Mecedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
• Third-place match: July 18 – Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida)
• World Cup final: July 19 – MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

Iowa State coach Matt Campbell is the new focus of Penn State’s coaching search, according to multiple reports.

The Nittany Lions are the last program in major college football with a head coach vacancy, as they’ve struck out on numerous targets. Many rumored options for Penn State have signed extensions this season, with BYU’s Kalani Sitake the latest. Louisville’s Jeff Brohm also reportedly turned down Penn State.

Penn State fired now-Virginia Tech coach James Franklin midseason following consecutive losses to Oregon, UCLA and Northwestern, despite opening the season as a national championship favorite. PSU reached the College Football Playoff semifinals in 2024 under Franklin, although he finished 4-21 against top-10 ranked teams in his 10-year tenure.

Penn State signed just two players on the first day of the early signing period, with 11 former commits flipping to Virginia Tech, where Franklin was hired Nov. 17.

Campbell, while seemingly one of Penn State’s backup options, has an impressive resume. The 46-year-old is a three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year and the winningest coach in Iowa State history. He also led the Cyclones to an 11-win season in 2024 and a No. 9 finish in the US LBM Coaches Poll in 2020.

Iowa State won eight combined games in the three seasons before Campbell’s arrival from Toledo, where he had a 35-15 record in four seasons as head coach. Campbell is 72-55 overall at Iowa State, choreographing a solid turnaround at a program that has a 571-668-46 record all-time.

Campbell is the 47th highest-paid coach in college football making $5 million annually, according to USA TODAY Sports’ head coaches salaries database.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – The storm clouds are hovering, with the dire forecast of a work stoppage coming a year from now, but Tony Clark, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, refuses to sweat.

He spent four days meeting with players at their executive board meeting this week, with the hottest topic the upcoming collective bargaining agreement. He told them to be fully prepared for a potential work stoppage, but to also ignore the noise that the game will be shut down when the CBA expires Dec. 1, 2026.

“Our interest is getting in the room and hammering out a fair and equitable deal,’’ Clark told USA TODAY Sports and the Associated Press on Thursday. “Our commitment is in the room, at the table and getting to an agreement that is fair and equitable. Other stuff is just noise.’’

Is it possible the game will be shut down and disrupt the 2027 season?

Certainly.

This is why the players voted to have their licensing checks withheld since 2024, which is expected to happen again this year and next.

But will the game definitely be shut down?

No.

“We never go into a negotiation trying to miss games,’’ Clark said. “I can’t speak for the other side, but we don’t go into a negotiation trying to miss games. But in our history, we’ve missed games. We go into a negotiation looking to move the industry forward, protect and advance player rights, as a part of that. We’re going to negotiate in that fashion here.

“But we’re going to be prepared for what the other side is telling us they’re interested in doing. We don’t go into the conversation looking to damage the game, particularly in a world where the game is moving in a very good direction.

“We should be celebrating our guys and the game and what we’re seeing. Our guys are doing that, and they’re performing night in and night out, but the noise is suggesting that the sky is falling. We’ll see once we start formal bargaining what that looks like, but our players are ready for whatever that is going to look like.’’

There’s no need for a union fan council, no need to tell the world that teams are making more money than they let on, and no need to join the chorus and predict a lockout.

Really, Clark and the executive board reiterated, they hear the same complaints of the fans and share the same interests.

The players would love to see greater competitive balance, too, among teams, but don’t believe for a second that a salary cap is the way to accomplish the goal.

While no team shares their financial statements except Atlanta, which is a publicly traded company, the union receives private financial information from Major League Baseball that reveals exactly how much money each team generates in revenues each year.

So, the union is just as frustrated as the fans in some of the small markets who have low payrolls, believing that if they really wanted to compete for a World Series, or simply a division title, they would spend more money on their team instead of pocketing profits.

It will be the primary issue when Major League Baseball and the players union begin their formal negotiations, which is expected to commence in spring training, and was emphasized this week. The last time a small-market team won the World Series was in 2015 with the Kansas City Royals, but the Milwaukee Brewers, who reside in the smallest market in baseball, reached the NLCS this year despite a payroll $300 million less than the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“There are teams who have the wherewithal to compete that are choosing not to … that we don’t believe are putting their best foot forward,’’ Clark said. “Competition is central to what happens in our industry and the excitement that is built around it, much like you’ve seen over the course of the last four or five years. The excitement around it has caused a growth in eyeballs and people with butts in the seats. … But in a world, regardless of whether you’re on the left coast or the East Coast, or whether you’re anywhere in between, and independent of the size of your market, you have the wherewithal to compete.’’

There were strides made in the last CBA that assured that teams aren’t rewarded by consistently losing with the draft lottery and other mechanisms. The Chicago White Sox, who set a modern-day record in 2024 with 121 losses, weren’t eligible to have a draft pick higher than 10th in the following amateur draft.

“Teams were benefiting from losing in a way that incentivized losing,’’ Clark said. “That’s not what we wanted to have. It didn’t quite get as far as we would have liked to in some areas, but we were able to do some things that that changed that value proposition a little, or at least put some uncertainty in the equation whereby just losing the highest number of games doesn’t ensure the No. 1 draft picks.’’

The union made great strides in the last CBA with increased salaries for players not yet eligible for salary arbitration with increased minimum salaries, an incentive program that provided bonuses for player performance, and helping severely curtail service time manipulation with teams being rewarded with a draft pick if their rookies on opening-day rosters won individual awards.

There surely will be modifications and proposed minimum salary increases in this CBA, and at the same time, the players want to see changes in the MLB rule competition committee.

The committee, constructed in 2022, consists of six team owners, four players and one umpire. It was responsible for the introduction of the pitch clock, shift restrictions and the automated ball-strike challenge system that will go into effect in 2026. Yet, no matter how the players voted, MLB had the final say with the six owners all voting in favor of the commissioner’s office recommendation.

“The players have a concern about the well-being of the game,’’ Clark said. “They love it. They’ve dedicated their lives to it, and they recognize the window for them to play it is remarkably small. So they want the game to be the best version of itself.

“When you represent that as a part of the committee, even if you have less votes, and it’s either considered … it tells players that their value, their voice, isn’t being valued. So I remain hopeful, with less votes, will at some point in time yield more substantive responses to the input that players are offering. …. It hasn’t manifested itself the way players had expected.’’

While there isn’t a current player who has been part of a major work stoppage, with many not even born the last time the players went on strike in 1994-1995, Clark reiterated that the players’ solidarity is as strong as ever. When the executive subcommittee voted 8-0 against a proposed CBA deal from the owners in 2022, and the full union membership voted overwhelmingly to instead end the 99-day lockout, Clark called it a sign of strength, not a weakness.

There’s also no need to remind the players to be cautious in publicly addressing a potential work stoppage, believing they are much more media savvy than in 1994-95 when popular players like Tom Glavine and David Cone drew the wrath from fans for their stances.

“It’s different now,’’ Clark said. “These young players are equipped and have functioned in a world that’s much different than the one that we came up. In having said that, you standing on principle, there are always people that are going to challenge your principles. … It’s hard to make everybody happy all the time, but I firmly believe that our players and our fans connect better with our players than they ever have before. They can relate to our guys in ways that they couldn’t, and didn’t relate back then.’’

Now, the hope is that the common goal of competitive balance, when the Milwaukees of the world have the same chance as the Dodgers to play deep into October, can bring everyone together without bringing the game to a halt.

“I will tell you that with some of the issues, particularly as those as they relate to competition,’’ Clark said, “there’s a number of moving pieces in there that can be beneficial to everyone involved, and thus move our game forward.

“We’re looking forward to having those conversations.’’

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When Terence Crawford blasted WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán Nov. 3, the timing was as notable as the trigger.

Crawford fumed after the WBC stripped him of a championship belt the boxing star won by beating Canelo Alvarez Sept. 13. His transgression: the boxing star failed to pay the WBC $300,000 in sanctioning fees for the fight against Alvarez.

The timing: The friction between Crawford and the WBC, one of boxing’s four sanctioning bodies, comes at a time of potential change as the sport struggles to stay relevant.

“One tries to be optimistic,’’ said Mike Silver, a boxing historian and author of “The Arc of Boxing: The Rise and Decline of the Sweet Science.”  “But when considering boxing’s tawdry history it’s hard to be optimistic, especially when considering who is in charge.’’

Actually, between the four sanctioning bodies, various promoters and the absence of a commissioner, it’s hard to know who’s in charge.

But it’s easy to see who’s looking to assume power.

Dana White has built the UFC into a multibillion-dollar company while helping mixed martial arts overtake boxing as the king of combat sports. Now, White has entered the boxing world as a promoter, and with billions at his disposal. He has partnered with Turki Alalshikh, the frontman for Saudi Arabia’s massive investment in boxing.

“For now, all we can do is take a wait-and-see attitude,’’ Silver told USA TODAY Sports. “The danger is that with a new major promotional entity entering the fray, boxing may become even more fragmented and confusing than it is.’’

HBO and Showtime, once the leading platforms for broadcasting boxing, have pulled the plug on the sport.

Can Dana White rescue boxing?

DAZN, the global streaming service, has taken over as the key player. But even with Netflix showing interest in high-profile events like Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul and Crawford vs. Alvarez, there is a dearth of options to broadcast the fights.

There are no such issues for the UFC.

Earlier this year, under White’s leadership, UFC landed a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with Paramount, the streaming service that will annually show more than 40 UFC events. But that’s not all.

Paramount also has agreed to stream 12 boxing cards a year for Zuffa Boxing, founded by White, who serves as CEO.

As co-founder of the UFC, White succeeded in part by matching up the best fighters. In boxing, by contrast, competing promoters and the effort to protect a boxer’s record often delay or derail mega fights. That made it an even bigger deal when Crawford and Alvarez squared off in a bout held at Allegiant Stadium and streamed by Netflix.

Who was the promoter? That would be White, who made his foray into boxing with that fight.

But the benefits of the UFC’s system are questionable. For every star cashing in, there are plenty of others struggling financially.

Lesser-known fighters filed an antitrust lawsuit in 2014, accusing Zuffa LLC, then UFC’s parent company, of suppressing fighter pay through anticompetitive practices.

In 2024, the UFC settled the case for $375 million. Two other class-action suits are pending. Another class-action lawsuit was filed this year.

Who benefits most from the business model?

The UFC was sold in 2016 for $4 billion. Most of the money went to co-founders Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta. But White made roughly $360 million, according to ESPN, and stayed on as president and CEO.

Thanks in part to White, Crawford enjoyed the most lucrative night of his career when he fought Alvarez. (For the record, the WBC helped make that happen by sanctioning the fight even though Crawford was moving up two weight classes.)  

A new belt enters the ring

White’s success will hinge in part on the success of The Ring, a media outlet and magazine bought last year by Alalshikh, the Saudi deal broker. For the fight between Crawford and Alvarez, The Ring created a new gold version of the super middleweight championship belt, reportedly worth $188,000.

During his rant, Crawford pointed out that he got the belt for free. The Ring charges no sanctioning fees.

The Ring has not shared its playbook. Perhaps it intends to operate like the UFC and marginalize the competition. (We’re looking at you, sanctioning bodies.) Or perhaps it wants to operate like LIV Golf, the Saudi-owned men’s golf league that has spent billions of dollars in an attempt to overtake the PGA Tour.

Would The Ring ruling boxing be good for the fighters?

The best of the best, like Crawford, would remain well-paid stars. It’s the same for UFC stars. But the rest?

The sanctioning bodies have created more opportunities for boxers to fight for championships across 18 weight divisions. However, what’s served boxers hasn’t necessarily been good for the sport.

As promoter Lou DiBella texted, “THE TITLES MEAN NOTHING. Everybody is a champ.’’

Added DiBella, “The whole system of four (sanctioning bodies) needs to end.’’

Crawford forsook the WBC even though the WBC helped make the fight lucrative by sanctioning it. But Silver, the historian, did not take the position that Crawford tainted his reputation with his profane rant.

“I’ve been waiting for years for a major recognized champion to say this,’’ Silver said by email. “Kudos to Crawford! He is ‘the People’s Champion’ and that is all that matters. No belt is necessary.’’

Only it’s far too early to know if boxing is about to be saved or sunk.

AI-assisted summary
• Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season features several games with significant playoff and divisional implications.
• Three games will feature teams facing off with first place in a division at stake.
• The Sunday night game will feature the Texans and Chiefs, two teams currently outside the AFC playoff picture.
• This week marks the final round of bye weeks, the Panthers, Patriots, Giants, and 49ers all off.

Full-fledged December football is here, Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season landing with what should be a spectacular Thursday night game between the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions − a pair of teams with playoff aspirations, though neither will move into the projected NFC field even with a victory in what’s effectively shaping up as a must-win game at Ford Field.

Sunday afternoon serves up a meeting between the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars, the winner taking outright control of the AFC South. Similar scenario for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, one of the two scuffling clubs set to sit alone atop the AFC North following the latest installment of their rivalry.

But no rivalry has more history − or probably more juice at the moment − than the century-long-plus one between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. They’ll meet for the 211th time this weekend, first place in the NFC North − and possibly the conference − also on the line at Lambeau Field.

Sunday night will showcase the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs, a pair of clubs used to winning their respective divisions but currently sitting outside the AFC postseason field. Week 14 concludes with a pair of teams dealing with myriad issues but likely to reach the Super Bowl 60 tournament as the Los Angeles Chargers host the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.

Week 14 will also mark the league’s final round of bye weeks, the Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers all hitting their midseason breaks.

After a rough showing on Thanksgiving, here’s how USA TODAY Sports’ panel of NFL experts views this weekend’s offering of contests:

(Odds provided by BetMGM)

NFL Week 14 picks, predictions, odds

• Cowboys at Lions
• Commanders at Vikings
• Colts at Jaguars
• Saints at Buccaneers
• Dolphins at Jets
• Titans at Browns
• Seahawks at Falcons
• Steelers at Ravens
• Bengals at Bills
• Broncos at Raiders
• Bears at Packers
• Rams at Cardinals
• Texans at Chiefs
• Eagles at Chargers

The Los Angeles Lakers are planning to be without star player Luka Dončić for the short-term, possibly for the entirety of their three-game road trip that begins tonight.

“Obviously, he’s away from the team for personal reasons,” Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters Thursday, Dec. 4 prior to the team’s game against the Toronto Raptors. “Hope to have him back soon, but don’t have a pin-pointed day yet.”

The Lakers confirmed that designation on Thursday’s injury report ahead of the game in Toronto.

Though the team did not have a clear timeline, Dončić appears likely to also miss the team’s next game, given that the Lakers are on the first leg of a back-to-back. Los Angeles plays the Celtics in Boston Friday, Dec. 5.

The Lakers are beginning a three-game road trip Thursday that concludes Sunday, Dec. 7 in Philadelphia. After that, they return to Los Angeles for one game against the San Antonio Spurs – in an NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup – before heading back on the road for another three-game road trip.

Given that the team is on the road, the Lakers may opt to wait for their return to Los Angeles for Dončić to rejoin them.

Dončić, 26, has had a tremendous start to the season, leading the NBA in scoring at 35.3 points per game. He has also added 8.9 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game as the Lakers are sitting at 15-5, which is second in the Western Conference.

Dončić played in Los Angeles’ most recent game, Monday, Dec. 1 against the Phoenix Suns, and recorded 38 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists in the 125-108 loss.